Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the White Paper, The Future Relationship Between the United Kingdom and the European Union, published in July 2018, what assessment he has made of the effect of the policies set out in that White Paper on transactions in euro-denominated assets for the UK financial sector.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the White Paper, The Future Relationship Between the United Kingdom and the European Union, published in July 2018, what assessment he has made of the effect of policies set out in that White Paper on derivatives clearing for the UK financial sector.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress he has made on replicating the insurance agreements that the EU has with third countries that enable reciprocal arrangements for insurers to open agencies and branches in third countries after the UK has left the EU.

We are providing supplementary funding of around £60 million a year to enable local authorities to protect maintained nursery school (MNS) funding until 2019-20. It is for local authorities to set the rates paid to maintained nursery schools. This supplementary funding provides MNS with stability whilst we develop a long-term solution for them. An important part of this will be understanding the value for money that they offer, and new research will report on this later in the year.

MNS also benefit from our increased hourly rates paid to local authorities to deliver the 15 hour free entitlement for disadvantaged two-year-olds. From April 2017, all local authorities saw 7% increases in their funding rates for two-year-olds.

Future funding decisions after 2019-20 will be set at the next spending review.

We are providing supplementary funding of around £60 million a year to enable local authorities to protect maintained nursery school (MNS) funding until 2019-20. It is for local authorities to set the rates paid to maintained nursery schools. This supplementary funding provides MNS with stability whilst we develop a long-term solution for them. An important part of this will be understanding the value for money that they offer, and new research will report on this later in the year.

MNS also benefit from our increased hourly rates paid to local authorities to deliver the 15 hour free entitlement for disadvantaged two-year-olds. From April 2017, all local authorities saw 7% increases in their funding rates for two-year-olds.

Future funding decisions after 2019-20 will be set at the next spending review.

We have commissioned an independent evaluation of the first year of 30 hours delivery, which will be published this summer. We will use the evidence from this evaluation and the learnings from the first year of delivery to inform the future eligibility and delivery of 30 hours.

We are providing supplementary funding of around £60 million a year to enable local authorities to protect maintained nursery school (MNS) funding until 2019-20. It is for local authorities to set the rates paid to maintained nursery schools. This supplementary funding provides MNS with stability whilst we develop a long-term solution for them. An important part of this will be understanding the value for money that they offer, and new research will report on this later in the year.

MNS also benefit from our increased hourly rates paid to local authorities to deliver the 15 hour free entitlement for disadvantaged two-year-olds. From April 2017, all local authorities saw 7% increases in their funding rates for two-year-olds.

Future funding decisions after 2019-20 will be set at the next spending review.

The charge on DR loans is estimated to affect up to 50,000 individuals. Outstanding DR loans will be treated as UK income and charged to tax on 5 April 2019. An individual will usually have to pay tax on UK income even if they are not resident in or a citizen of the UK, and the charge on DR loans is no different. As a result, no assessment has been made of how many of the 50,000 estimated to be affected are non-UK resident or non-UK citizens.

The charge on DR loans is estimated to affect up to 50,000 individuals. Outstanding DR loans will be treated as UK income and charged to tax on 5 April 2019. An individual will usually have to pay tax on UK income even if they are not resident in or a citizen of the UK, and the charge on DR loans is no different. As a result, no assessment has been made of how many of the 50,000 estimated to be affected are non-UK resident or non-UK citizens.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the timetable is for his final decision on whether the former covered market, Woolwich, should be added to the National Heritage List for England.

Requests for buildings to be considered for ‘listing’ under the terms of the Planning Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 are received by Historic England. Historic England assesses such requests before providing its recommendations to the Secretary of State. We understand that Historic England has received such a request in relation to the former covered market in Woolwich, and that it hopes to submit its recommendation shortly. Once this has been received, the building’s claims to special architectural or historic interest will be considered in line with the Secretary of State’s Principles of Selection for Listed Buildings. Most listing cases are determined within 10 working days, complex or high profile cases within eight weeks.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government’s technical note on a temporary customs arrangement, published on 7 June 2018, whether the UK will make payments to the EU to participate in a backstop customs arrangement; and if he will make a statement.

We are clear that the days of Britain making vast contributions to the European Union every year will end.

As an EU member state, the UK remits customs duties to the EU budget under the EU’s Own Resources Decision. As set out in the technical note, after the Implementation Period the UK will no longer have a legal requirement to remit revenue in this way.

Neither the UK’s technical paper nor the EU’s draft protocol on Northern Ireland makes provision for the continued application of the Own Resources system.

The EU’s proposed draft legal text on the Northern Ireland protocol, published in March 2018, does make provision for the possibility of a mechanism for revenue collection and distribution, as appropriate. This is a matter for further discussion in the negotiations.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to respond to the letter of 30 May 2018 from the hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich on New Capital Quay, Royal Borough of Greenwich.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2018 to Question 145610 on Academies, if he will publish the names and local authority area of the 21 schools that had their academy orders revoked; and for each school whether the revocation was a result of (a) subsequent Ofsted inspections (b) closure and (c) merger.

The attached table lists the 21 schools that have had their academy orders revoked and the reason.

The department supports all schools becoming sponsored academies to have school improvement plans in place regardless of their place in the process. Revoking an academy order takes place only in very specific circumstances, with careful consideration from all parties involved.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the timetable is for the Joint Committee referred to in Article 157 of the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union to be established.

The UK will continue to engage constructively in the ongoing negotiations concerning the governance and dispute resolution mechanisms of our Withdrawal Agreement with the EU.

Decisions concerning the exact details of the Joint Committee will follow on from these negotiations. We are clear however that the Joint Committee will be comprised of representatives from both the UK and the EU with the necessary expertise and experience, and it will be in place by March 2019, in time for the start of the implementation period.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to article 157 of the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, how many people UK representatives the Government plans to appoint to the Joint Committee referred to in that article; and what the timetable is for that appointment process to be complete.

The UK will continue to engage constructively in the ongoing negotiations concerning the governance and dispute resolution mechanisms of our Withdrawal Agreement with the EU.

Decisions concerning the exact details of the Joint Committee, including its representatives and the related appointments process, will follow on from these negotiations. We are clear however that the Joint Committee will be comprised of representatives from both the UK and the EU with the necessary expertise and experience.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what process he plans to establish to help the Joint Committee referred to in Article 157 of the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union to be accountable to Parliament.

The UK will continue to engage constructively in the ongoing negotiations concerning the governance and dispute resolution mechanisms of our Withdrawal Agreement with the EU.

Decisions concerning the exact details of the Joint Committee, including the necessary processes for establishing it, will follow on from these negotiations.

It will be for Parliament to determine the level of scrutiny it will want to undertake based on the detailed arrangements agreed between the UK and EU. But of course the Government will work with Parliament to agree the right approach to scrutiny.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether it is the Government’s policy to transpose the revision of the Posting of Workers Directive (96/71/EC) into domestic legislation before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.

We expect the revision to the Posting of Workers Directive to be voted on for adoption (approval by both Council and the European Parliament) shortly, after which it will become EU law. If adopted, we intend to implement it, including through transposition into domestic legislation as necessary, before the end of the transition period. Until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full Member of the European Union and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. During this period the Government will also continue to negotiate, implement and apply EU legislation.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he plans to respond to the letter of 10 May 2018 from the hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich on the White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence): level of support.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the effect on the public purse of Help to Buy equity loans being redeemed at a fraction of their original value on leasehold properties on New Capital Quay development in Greenwich whose valuation has significantly decreased because of blight resulting from cladding and insulation throughout that site failing category 3 safety tests arranged through his Department; whether his Department is taking steps to reduce the effect on the public purse of such valuations; and if he will make a statement.

Homes England have identified 29 flats where Help to Buy: Equity Loan held a share of the equity for the New Capital Quay development. Further work is ongoing to validate this information.

The Department has not made an assessment of the future valuation of such properties because it would rely on the individual situation and judgement of an independent valuer at the time the property owner decides they wish to redeem their equity loan.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many directive academy orders have been issued to maintained schools that Ofsted has rated as inadequate pursuant to s4(A1) of the Academies Act 2010; and how many of those schools have subsequently opened as sponsored academies.

The 2016 Education and Adoption Act[1] placed a duty on the Secretary of State to make an academy order in respect of any maintained school that has been judged inadequate by Ofsted, to enable it to become an academy and receive additional support from a sponsor.

Between 18 April 2016, when this power came into force, and 1 May 2018, the department has issued 426 academy orders to inadequate local authority maintained schools. Of these, 218 have since opened as sponsored academies. In all cases, we will ensure that there is appropriate support in place to secure improvement until the school converts. This can be from the preferred sponsor or through another multi-academy trust or teaching school alliance, or direct from the local authority. Some schools do not proceed to conversion, either because they close or merge or because they improve sufficiently and are removed from special measures. 21 have had their academy orders revoked, either due to subsequent Ofsted inspections, or closure or merger.

[1] Section 4(A1) of the Academies Act 2010, as inserted by the Education and Adoption Act 2016.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman. I have asked her to write to the hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich, and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will place in the Library of the House a copy of the Private Finance Initiative contract for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich agreed in 2009 between the Meridian Hospital Company and the South London Healthcare Trust.

The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract for the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich was signed in 1998 between the former Queen Elizabeth Hospitals NHS Trust and the Meridian Hospital Company. Queen Elizabeth Hospitals NHS Trust was dissolved in April 2009 and merged with three other National Health Service trusts to form the South London NHS Trust in their place, the PFI contract transferring to the new trust. The contract transferred to the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust on the dissolution of South London NHS Trust in October 2013. A copy of the contract is attached.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich of 26 March 2018 on air quality and the planned cruise liner terminal building on land at Enderby Wharf, Christchurch Way, Greenwich SE10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has plans to negotiate the inclusion of text on climate and energy in the political declaration on the framework for the future relationship that will form part of the European Commission's Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

The agreement governing our future relationship with the EU can only be legally concluded once the UK has left the EU. Article 50 sets out that the Withdrawal Agreement should take account of the framework of the future relationship with the EU, so at the same time as we negotiate the Withdrawal Agreement, we will seek to articulate our ambition for a deep and special partnership with the EU. Whatever the nature of the future UK-EU relationship, the UK will remain committed to international efforts to tackle climate change and working closely with the EU on such global challenges will remain very important.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that there is continued cooperation with the EU on climate change after the UK leaves the EU.

The agreement governing our future relationship with the EU can only be legally concluded once the UK has left the EU. Article 50 sets out that the Withdrawal Agreement should take account of the framework of the future relationship with the EU, so at the same time as we negotiate the Withdrawal Agreement, we will seek to articulate our ambition for a deep and special partnership with the EU. Whatever the nature of the future UK-EU relationship, the UK will remain committed to international efforts to tackle climate change and working closely with the EU on such global challenges will remain very important.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether it is the Government’s policy to seek to stay within the European Emissions Trading Scheme after the scheme’s third trading phase expires on 31 December 2020.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to three related letters from the hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich dated 21 August 2017, 22 November 2017 and 22 January 2018 regarding his constituent’s enquiry on the performance of UK Visas and Immigration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of exiting the EU on UK citizens with properties in one of the 27 remaining EU Member States.

The property rights of UK nationals that own property in an EU Member State and vice versa is not a matter that fell within the scope of the first stage of the negotiations with the EU.

It is already the case that all Member States are bound by Article 1 of Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights which obliges them to respect property rights. We expect that these rights will continue to be respected after our exit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to revise the planning system to encourage the installation of shore side electricity at wharves and moorings on the Thames and London Waterways.

The National Policy Statement for Ports, makes clear for applicants submitting development proposals that all proposals should either include reasonable provisions to allow the possibility of future provision of shore-ship electrical infrastructure, or give reasons as to why it would not be economically and environmentally worthwhile to make such a provision. Considerations should be based on the dwell time of vessels and technical compatibility of the ships intended to call at the port, as well as on the emissions and other impacts.

Named Day

'Named day' questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the authority is for contractors working on behalf of Transport for London to conduct preparatory Silvertown Tunnel bore hole drilling works in Bugsbys Reach in advance of a decision on development consent for the proposed Silvertown Tunnel.

Transport in London is a matter for Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor. We understand from TfL that these works are being carried out under a statutory permit granted by the Environment Agency.

It is standard procedure for investigative works such as these to be carried out in advance of major development proposals and the works are without prejudice to the Secretary of State’s determination of the application for development consent for the Silvertown Tunnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on the economy of an independent trade policy and the costs of leaving the EU customs union.

The Government has been undertaking appropriate analytical work to support our exit negotiations, as any responsible Government should, in order to inform our understanding of how leaving the European Union will affect the UK.

We are going to make the most of the opportunities that our departure presents, for forging new trade relationships with other countries, including both at the World Trade Organisation and in bilateral agreements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, Her Majesty's Treasury (HMT) is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 18/19 and 19/20 – so that departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. We are currently working with HMT and the Department for Exiting the European Union to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied – HMT will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, HM Treasury is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 2018/19 and 2019/20 – so that departments and the devolved administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. We are currently working with HM Treasury and Department for Exiting the European Union to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied – HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018. Funding requirements for 2019/20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date. Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at the Autumn Budget 2017, HM Treasury is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 2018-19 and 2019-20 - so that Departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit.

We are currently working with HM Treasury and the Department for Exiting the EU to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied - HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018-19 allocations in early 2018. Funding requirements for 2019-20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date.

Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by (a) his Department and (b) HM Revenue and Customs) over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, HMT is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 18/19 and 19/20 – so that departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. HMT is working to understand what each department needs to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied – HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018. Departments’ funding requirements for 19/20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date. Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, HMT is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 18/19 and 19/20 – so that departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. We are currently working with HMT and DExEU to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied – HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018. Funding requirements for 19/20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date. Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of raising the business rate thresholds for small firms located in London.

From April 2017 the Government increased the threshold for small business rate relief from £6,000 to £12,000. As a result over 600,000 small businesses pay no rates at all. The threshold for the standard business rates multiplier has also increased to £51,000, taking 275,000 smaller properties out of the higher rate.

The Government launched a further package of support for businesses following the revaluation, including over £120 million of support for businesses in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

Like all departments, Defra is planning for a number of scenarios to make sure we are ready to leave the EU. Over £250m of additional funding has already been approved across a number of departments in 2017/18 to prepare for Brexit. Defra has received additional funding this year, and has reprioritised to meet new pressures arising from Brexit preparations. The additional funding received from the Reserve for 2017/18 will be set out at Supplementary Estimates. The costs of preparing to leave the EU in 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years will be affected by negotiations over the coming months and will be agreed with HM Treasury in early 2018.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent estimate she has made of the additional funding required by her Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, HMT is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 18/19 and 19/20 so that departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. We are currently working with HMT and DExEU to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied.

HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018. Funding requirements for 19/20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date. Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent estimate she has made of the additional funding required by her Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, HMT is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 18/19 and 19/20 – so that departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. We are currently working with HMT and DExEU to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied – HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018. Funding requirements for 19/20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date. Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

Like all departments, the Department for Work and Pensions is planning for a number of EU Exit scenarios. Over £250m of additional funding has been approved across a number of departments in 2017/18 to prepare for Brexit. We have reprioritised during this financial year as necessary, whilst the costs of EU Exit in future years will be affected by negotiations over the coming months.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the government will guarantee European Union funding for all structural and investment fund projects signed before the Autumn Statement 2016, and those signed after that date but before we leave the European Union so long as they are good value for money and in line with domestic strategic priorities, even when these projects continue after we have left.

We are committed to continuing to invest in the accessibility of the railway, which is why the Government’s Statement of Funds Available for Control Period 6 (2019-2024) published on 12 October, includes funding to continue to take forward the enhancements that were deferred from Control Period 5, as well as for continued investment in the accessibility of the railway. Network Rail are continuing to develop the deferred projects and construction will be completed as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the additional funding required by his Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, HM Treasury (HMT) is making £3 billion of additional funding available over the next two years - £1.5 billion in both 18/19 and 19/20 – so that departments and the Devolved Administrations can continue to prepare effectively for Brexit. We are currently working with HMT and the Department for Exiting the European Union to establish what we need to prepare effectively, and what additional funding should be supplied – HM Treasury will aim to agree 2018/19 allocations in early 2018.

Funding requirements for 19/20 will be affected by progress in negotiations with the EU and will therefore be decided at a later date. Additional funding received from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate she has made of the additional funding required by her Department over the next two years to prepare effectively for the UK leaving the EU.

We have agreed with HMT additional funding of £60m to support Brexit planning and implementation work in 2017/18. Future years requirements are still under discussion with HMT and announcements will be made in due course.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 22 of Autumn Budget 2017, how the £3 billion set aside to prepare for the UK leaving the EU will be allocated across (a) government departments and (b) public authorities.

The additional funding from the Reserve in 18/19 and 19/20 is being set aside to ensure funding is available as required. HMT will work with departments and DExEU over the coming weeks to refine estimates of departmental requirements and will allocate 18/19 funding in early 2018. Departmental allocations for 2019-20 will be agreed later in 2018-19. Departmental allocations from the Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the relevant year as is usual.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 22 of Autumn Budget 2017, how the £700 million already allocated to prepare for the UK leaving the EU has been allocated across (a) government departments and (b) public authorities.

The £700m of additional funding already allocated includes £412m of additional funding that DIT, FCO and DExEU received over the parliament that was set out at Autumn Statement 2016. In addition, the Treasury has also allocated £250m from the Reserve to a number of departments in 17/18. Departmental allocations from the 17/18 Reserve will be set out at Supplementary Estimates, in the usual way.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department's paper, The long-term economic impact of EU membership and the alternatives, published on 18 April 2016, still represents his Department's best assessment of the long-term economic impact of some of the potential trading models available to the UK after the UK leaves the EU.

Government has undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the economic impacts of leaving the EU. This is part of our continued programme of rigorous and extensive analytical work on a range of scenarios on a sector by sector basis.

The Prime Minister has ‎made clear however that the UK aims to agree an ambitious and comprehensive economic partnership with the EU that is of far greater scope and ambition than any existing free trade agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effect on UK manufacturing of the UK unilaterally removing all import tariffs after the UK leaves the EU.

The Government is working to deliver the best international trading framework for the UK. We are working with other Departments to assess the full range of options for a future tariff regime that will best serve the interests of UK consumers, businesses and farmers. The evidence available will be considered carefully before a final decision is made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of how many Syrians have been disappeared by the Assad regime; and what proportion of those people are children.

Due to the Asad regime's refusal to allow impartial monitoring of its detention centres, it is not possible to give an exact figure for the number of people who have been disappeared. Human rights groups estimate that tens, possibly hundreds, of thousands of men, women, and children have been forcibly disappeared in Syria since the war began – the vast majority of them at the hands of the regime. The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria has documented the regime's use of 'massive and systematised' violence against political detainees, and stated that the regime's use of disappearance, torture, rape and sexual violence amount to crimes against humanity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that members of the Assad regime who have committed war crimes and human rights abuses are held to account.

The UK is committed to ensuring that those responsible for violations of international law and human rights abuses in Syria are held to account. We have been at the forefront of international action. The UK co-sponsored a United Nations General Assembly resolution establishing a new International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to support the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes. The UK strongly supports the work of the UN Commission of Inquiry whose reports have shone a light on the most serious human rights violations in the Syrian conflict. In partnership with other donor countries, we are funding the collection of documentary evidence for use in any legal procedures in the future. All available evidence shows the Asad regime's responsibilty for the great majority of offences.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has reviewed the economic modelling that underpinned his Department's paper, The long-term economic impact of EU membership and the alternatives, published on 18 April 2016; and what the conclusions were of that review.

The Government has undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the economic impacts of leaving the EU. This is part of our continued programme of analytical work on a range of scenarios on a sector by sector basis.

We are seeking the best deal possible and the work being done reflects this.

DFID funds the UN and NGOs to provide humanitarian support in Idlib, including food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, shelter and education. Also, through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, we help deliver key services and access to education and jobs. Between January and June 2017, our support in Idlib governorate provided 550,000 people with access to clean drinking water, immunised 362,000 children under five, and helped 254,000 children access education.

The UK Government will look to ensure continuity of trade between the UK and Turkey, following the UK's exit from the EU, factoring in the possible implications of Turkey's existing customs arrangement with the EU. UK Officials in the Department for International Trade, the Department for Exiting the EU, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have met Officials of the Republic of Turkey who, in the process, have brought up the issue of their own customs arrangements with the EU.

UK Officials in the Department for International Trade, the Department for Exiting the EU, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have met officials of the Republic of Turkey where discussion on this matter were held.

​The UK Government will look to ensure continuity of trade between the UK and Turkey, following the UK's exit from the EU, factoring in the possible implications of Turkey's existing customs arrangement with the EU. UK officials in the Department for International Trade, the Department for Exiting the EU, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have discussed EU-Turkey customs arrangements with officials of the Republic of Turkey.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions he or officials of his Department have had with the Turkish Government about that country's customs agreement with the EU.

The UK Government will look to ensure continuity of trade between the UK and Turkey, following the UK's exit from the EU, factoring in the possible implications of Turkey's existing customs arrangement with the EU. As a result, officials in the Department for International Trade, the Department for Exiting the EU, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have met officials from the Republic of Turkey.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which governing entity or entities the Government expects will take control of Raqqa after the removal of Daesh from that city; and what steps the Government is taking to prevent the creation of a political vacuum in that city.

Operations to liberate Raqqah City have only just commenced. We are working with our Coalition partners to ensure that once liberated, the population will have inclusive and legitimate local governance that can both protect and represent them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the activities of its military partners in the counter-Daesh offensive in Syria are consistent with international laws aimed at protecting civilians in armed conflicts.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to encourage more financial institutions, including those based overseas, to provide support to executors and administrators of estates, including with regard to making the deceased's liquid assets available for the payment of inheritance tax prior to the grant of probate in line with the 2016 Bereavement Principles.

UK banks’ and building societies’ treatment of their customers is governed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in its Principles of Business. This includes a general requirement for firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all of their customers, including those who have recently suffered a bereavement.

The Government is supportive of industry efforts to improve handling of these sensitive cases, including the implementation of the British Bankers’ Association’s Bereavement Principles. These Principles commit firms to support customers and, in particular, allow necessary payments to be made from the deceased’s accounts. Such payments include inheritance tax, which can be paid directly to HM Revenue and Customs, before probate is granted, through the Direct Payment Scheme. Where lower amounts are held, the Principles also commit firms to consider whether they can waive probate requirements and release funds more quickly.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on the UK economy of the UK leaving the EU's Common Commercial Policy and Common External Tariff without a customs agreement between the UK and the EU.

The government has undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the economic impact of leaving the EU. This is part of our continued programme of rigorous and extensive analytical work on a range of scenarios on a sector by sector basis.

We want to conclude a deep and special partnership with the European Union. This includes pursuing a new customs agreement that allows for the freest possible trade in goods and services between the UK and EU member states.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effect on the UK economy of a customs agreement with the EU that includes participation in the Common External Tariff and Common Commercial Policy.

The government has undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the economic impact of leaving the EU. This is part of our continued programme of rigorous and extensive analytical work on a range of scenarios on a sector by sector basis.

We want to conclude a deep and special partnership with the European Union. This includes pursuing a new customs agreement that allows for the freest possible trade in goods and services between the UK and EU member states.